Daughter left with gun while dad gets tattoo

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – An Albuquerque father is facing a child endangerment charge after police say he left a loaded .22 caliber gun with his 11-year-old daughter for her protection while he went to get a tattoo.

KOB-TV reports that John Ruiz was arrested this week shortly after a neighbor spotted his daughter with the firearm at an apartment complex swimming pool.

Authorities say the girl didn't threaten anyone with the gun, but told officers her dad left her the weapon for protection.

Ruiz has been released on a $15,000 bond.

After his court appearance on Monday, Ruiz told reporters he made a mistake.